Environmental crises have been proclaimed in recent years, and charities and researchers have highlighted the destructive impact of plastic waste on the environment and species. We live in a consumer-driven culture, and recycling transforms the objects we discard into new ones, ensuring that none of the fuel or raw materials necessary to create them are wasted. It also reduces pollution of the atmosphere and ground, as well as the production of greenhouse gases caused by depositing waste in landfills.
Matthew became a part of this movement at a young age. As the current COO of Cougle’s Recycling, he believes that his immersion into many of the fundamental functions of the business (logistics, commodity sales, operations, maintenance, knowing customer needs) has helped create a deep understanding and strong foundation. With a focus of develop strong long-term personal relationships and a deep understanding of the industry. Matthew is able to guide his team, they provide a deep industry knowledge and superior performance of the essential tasks necessary to meet their needs and create a better environment. These factors have been the catalyst for a successful team and company. “ I’ve also learned that despite having those strong roots, you must be able and willing to adjust and change direction, being flexible enough to embrace new ideas, concepts, feedback, and outside perspectives from team members and clients to make the most informed decisions,” says Matthew. “I would hope that the other qualities that set me apart from other decision makers would be the foundation that my decisions are consistently built on, which are my personal and company’s core values; (RISEe) Respect, Integrity, Safety, Excellence, Environmental Responsibility.”
Matthew aspires to be an example for his team to show calmness, resolve, and transparent decision-making even under pressure. It is pertinent to mention that the pioneering leader places high importance on teamwork. As a company, Cougle's Recycling continues to target hiring suitable candidates for its culture, enabling them to build off the natural strengths and talents of the team. He also focuses on continuous personal and professional improvement, allowing them to stretch and grow their abilities through education, evaluation, and coaching to be their best versions.
Matthew watched his parents, as a team, lead the business through many stages of growth. Together, they made decisions that resulted in staff growth and cultivated the company in size and range of services. “I found that I enjoyed working with the employees and customers. I found pride in seeing the growth and the direct impact I could have on the team and in the business,” states Matthew. “The ability to persist and drive towards the goals and targets set regardless of the circumstances has given us the strength to grow and succeed which is the foundation we impart to our whole team.”
Armed with this mindset, Matthew has been taking the company to new heights. The mission statement of Cougle’s Recycling is “Helping our customer’s become great environmental stewards by reducing their waste stream while increasing their bottom line, experiencing rapid growth by setting our self apart with great customer service, consistency, reliability, and integrity.” The equally important part of accomplishing the mission is Matthew and his team's path to get there. He encourages everyone on the team to use these values (RISEe) to guide them as they make decisions and interact with each other and the customers and vendors.
For instance, Cougle's Recycling worked with a large snack food distribution facility. It made some suggestions on the process and equipment used to handle the corrugated boxes they were looking to recycle. The company worked with the client, suggested a baler model/style, and placed a trailer at their facility. The proposed changes allowed them to convert a program costing them money ($1,300 per month) and create a revenue generator. They receive approximately $1,800 per month. They were able to pay off the purchased baler in around six months and continue to receive monthly payments, which is expected for years to come.
Matthew acknowledges that some of Cougle's Recycling’s most prominent achievements are rooted in their ability to work with various customers throughout different business segments and provide or find innovative solutions to solve their waste/recycling-related challenges. “We take great pride in working with our customers, finding ways to meet their needs and providing suggestions to maximize their outcome and get the best value,” explains Matthew. “We attempt to mold extensive industry knowledge with their specific production and facility requirements, fusing learned practices with new approaches or investments that can provide cost effective innovative solutions.”